Browned Butter Blondie

Introduction

Browned Butter Blondie are a delicious, buttery twist on classic blondies, elevated by the nutty, caramel-like flavor of browned butter. These blondies are soft, chewy, and packed with warm, toasty notes that make them a crowd-pleaser.

I first made these when I was craving something sweet with a bit more depth of flavor, and they quickly became a favorite. The rich aroma of browned butter fills the kitchen as they bake, creating a mouthwatering anticipation. Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or toffee bits can make them even more indulgent, though they’re just as delicious on their own.

What’s great about these Browned Butter Blondies is their versatility. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them to a friend, or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, they’re always a hit. With a balance of chewy texture and rich flavor, these blondies are sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection!

Perfect for:

• Potlucks and parties
• Afternoon coffee breaks
• Gifting to friends and family
• A quick yet indulgent dessert

Why You’ll Love This Browned Butter Blondie

Here’s why Browned Butter Blondies will become your new favorite treat:

• Rich and Buttery Flavor: Browned butter adds depth and a nutty, caramel-like taste that takes these blondies to the next level.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These blondies strike the perfect balance between a soft center and a slightly crisp edge.
• Quick and Easy: The recipe is simple to follow and requires just a handful of pantry staples.
• Customizable Add-ins: From chocolate chips to nuts, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste.
• One Pan Wonder: Made in one pan, this recipe means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 16 blondies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 23g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Browned Butter Blondies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, browned and slightly cooled
• 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mix-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, or toffee bits)

Ingredient Highlights

• Browned Butter: This is the star of the recipe, providing a rich, nutty flavor that sets these blondies apart.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, contributing to the chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the buttery and sweet flavors.
• Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, or even white chocolate and dried cranberries can be added for extra flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Browned Butter Blondies:

Prepare the Batter:

1. Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter and light brown sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Add the Mix-Ins: Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Blondies:

6. Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool: Let the blondies cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift them out. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Browned Butter Blondie

Browned Butter Blondies are delicious on their own but can be served in many ways:

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm blondies with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream.
• Drizzle with Sauce: Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
• As a Dessert Bar: Arrange alongside brownies, cookies, and other desserts for a stunning dessert spread.

Additional Tips for Browned Butter Blondie

1.Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better incorporation.

2.Cool the Browned Butter: After browning, let the butter cool slightly. Adding hot butter directly to the batter can cook the eggs and affect texture.

3.Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can make the blondies dense.

4.Choose the Right Pan: Use a light-colored metal or glass pan for even baking. Dark pans can cause the edges to brown too quickly.

5.Line with Parchment Paper: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. This makes it easy to lift the blondies out for cutting.

6.Experiment with Add-ins: Enhance your blondies with mix-ins like chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, toasted nuts, toffee bits, or dried fruit.

7.Check for Doneness Early: Start checking the blondies a few minutes before the suggested bake time. They’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

8.Let Them Cool Completely: Resist the temptation to cut the blondies immediately after baking. Allow them to cool fully for clean slices and better flavor development.

9,Sprinkle Sea Salt: Add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before or after baking to enhance the sweet and nutty flavors.

10.Store Properly: Keep leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them individually wrapped for longer storage. Reheat slightly for that fresh-baked feel.

Recipe Variations for Browned Butter Blondie

Here are 10 variations you can try for Browned Butter Blondies:

• Chocolate Chip Blondies: Stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Nutty Blondies: Add ½ cup each of chopped walnuts and pecans.
• White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Blondies: Use white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts for a classic combination.
• Cranberry Pistachio Blondies: Add dried cranberries and pistachios for a festive twist.
• S’mores Blondies: Fold in mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers.
• Peanut Butter Blondies: Swirl in ¼ cup of peanut butter for a nutty flavor boost.
• Salted Caramel Blondies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter and sprinkle with sea salt before baking.
• Espresso Blondies: Mix in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a coffee-flavored treat.
• Oreo Blondies: Crush 1 cup of Oreos and fold them into the batter.
• Vegan Blondies: Use vegan butter, a flax egg, and dairy-free mix-ins for a vegan-friendly version.

Freezing and Storage for Browned Butter Blondie

• Freezing: Wrap individual blondie squares in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.

Special Equipment for Browned Butter Blondie

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Browned Butter Blondies easier:

• Medium Saucepan: For browning the butter.
• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
• 8×8-Inch Baking Pan: The ideal size for this recipe.
• Parchment Paper: Makes removing the blondies from the pan easy.
• Whisk: To mix the wet ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: For folding in mix-ins and smoothing the batter.
• Wire Rack: Allows the blondies to cool evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Browned Butter Blondie

1. Can I use salted butter?
   Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to compensate.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. How do I know when they’re done?
   Look for golden edges and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
5. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
   Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days or freeze for longer storage.

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Conclusion

Browned Butter Blondies are the ultimate treat for anyone who craves rich, buttery flavors paired with a soft, chewy texture. The nutty aroma of browned butter elevates this classic dessert, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering, sharing with friends, or enjoying a cozy night in—these blondies are as versatile as they are delicious. Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or toffee bits to make them uniquely yours.

I’d love to see how your Browned Butter Blondies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!